Graduation Spotlight: Alexia Williams, Performance Studies
Alexia Williams found her passion during her sophomore year at Texas A&M while taking History of Rock ’n’ Roll, taught by Dr. Kim Kattari, Performance Studies undergraduate program director. Williams quickly took interest in Kattari’s research in ethnomusicology.
“I recognized ethnomusicology and Performance Studies was the place for me when Dr. Kattari gave a lecture about Delta blues, Alan Lomax, Muddy Waters and 1940s-through-1950s rhythm and blues,” Williams recalled. “Not only did we cover the music, but we talked about the social climate of America and how that contributed to the genre of music, the artists and the research conducted on communities during the time.”
The native of Alief outside of Houston was an education major at the time. After discussions with Kattari about ethnomusicology and research, Williams decided to make a change.
“That week, I changed my major to Performance Studies and fell in love with it ever since,” she said.
Williams is set to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Performance Studies on Friday after completing a joint-degree program, and will be honored as a distinguished student in the School of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts’ Graduation Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday. Williams said she is honored, and grateful her work did not go unnoticed.
“This award not only captures the work that I have done but the support I have gotten from my committee, family, friends, advisers and co-workers,” she said. “I am extremely thankful for their constant support and advocacy.”
Highlights of her time in the program include performing with a band, creating and directing a documentary, and giving lectures about her research. Williams said having the opportunity to teach and share with others is what she hopes to continue doing in her career.
In addition to Kattari, Williams credits Dr. David Donkor, associate professor and graduate program director, who has guided her throughout her graduate studies. She said his contributions to discussions opened her worldview to another side of Performance Studies.
“If anyone were to ask me five or 10 years ago where I would be now, I would have never thought I would be in graduate school and considering pursuing a Ph.D. when I began to seriously think about my next steps in life,” Williams said. “Without Dr. Kattari, I believe the chances of knowing about this field would have been slim, and Dr. Donkor listened to me and walked me through things I should consider pursuing.”
Williams currently works at Texas A&M with the Routh First-Generation Center. She plans to continue working there after graduation, and hopes to pursue a Ph.D. to become a professor.
“I have always wanted to stay in higher academia, and since I currently work with students every single day, this decision is solidified,” she said. “I hope to not only give back to students in higher academia, but to also give back to my hometown in any way that I can.”
